Once upon a time there were three young men who met at the end of the second world war and became lifelong friends. Meet our heroes Niko Ghika, John Craxton and Sir Patrick Leigh Fermor. Stars of Charmed Lives in Greece: Ghika, Craxton, Leigh Fermor at the British Museum.

I concede that before visiting this exhibition I had never heard of Ghika or Craxton. Leigh Fermor however is one of my favourite authors. It turns out that while I may never heard of Craxton before I do own some of his artwork. He designed the covers for Patrick Leigh Fermor books. A quick survey of my shelves reveals five of his book covers.

The exhibition follows their friendship with the artworks of Ghika and Craxton on display with quotes from Leigh Fermor liberally sprinkled around the walls. Men sitting in cafes, the sea lapping on perfect beaches it is a happy and sunny show.

Vitrines of memorabilia are almost as numerous as pictures. Patrick Leigh Fermor’s typewriter is in one of them. I know that it is just a type writer but it is the the type writer on which ‘A Time of Gifts’ and ‘Between Woods and Water’ were written, two of my all time favourite books.

Mostly the vitrines contains letters, photos and copies of Patrick Leigh Fermor’s books which he had inscribed for his friends like this copy of Mani which was given to Joan who Patrick Leigh Fermor later married.

I loved this exhibition, it is small but joyous. If you are a fan of any of three men a visit is a must but even you are not do go. The exhibition is free and there is a fine selection of Patrick Leigh Fermor’s books available in the shop outside, you might just discover your new favourite author.